Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting program prepares students to become members of the dental health care team. The course includes theory with demonstrations and classroom instruction. Students receive supervised experience performing procedures using study models, mannequins, and other simulated methods. Program content includes OSHA standards, CDC guidelines, infection control procedures, head and neck anatomy, radiographs, teaching adults and children oral hygiene and nutrition information, as well as 6 weeks of external rotation in general dentist offices, clinics, and specialty practices. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate in Dental Assisting from the college and are eligible to become a Registered Dental Assistant in the State of Tennessee. How to Apply To complete admissions for the Dental Assisting program, applicants must submit all institutional general admissions requirements and Dental Assisting program specific requirements to be considered. Admission to the Dental Assisting Program is highly competitive, and only a select number of students are enrolled each year. To qualify, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements of the HESI Admissions Assessment Test. However, this does not guarantee admission. Our Dental Assisting Class will be selected from the highest scores on the HESI test. General Admissions Requirements Please submit to Student Services Office at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919 Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – our school code is 004025. Complete the Application for Enrollment form online at www.tcatknoxville.edu and select APPLY NOW for the Fall trimester. Submit the additional program requirements listed below. IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation both must obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org for more information. Dental Assisting Program Admission Requirements Please submit to Marcy Owen at 3435 Division Street, Knoxville TN 37919 Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class. A copy of an official high school transcript or its equivalent, or a scanned copy of a standard high school diploma. Proof of below immunizations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 series immunization (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time Varicella: 2 series immunizations (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization to chickenpox within the last year’s time Adult Hepatitis B: 3 series immunizations (3 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time OR proof of the series in progress Take and pass the HESI Exam. Exam covers Math and Reading Comprehension and the cost is $50.00. Passing scores are 50 in math and 70 in reading exam. 2026 HESI Exam Schedule Provide current CPR card certification from American Heart Association in BLS for Healthcare Providers which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking and AED. According to CDC guidelines, you may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and infectious materials while in this program. The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Tennessee State Board of Dentistry and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements.